Stuff-a-bus kicks off 'Spark of Love' toy drive in Ontario

ONTARIO - Rain wasn't going to stop Shari and Tifanie Williams from making the trek to Mathis Brothers on Friday afternoon.

The mother and daughter were there to make a donation for the 20th annual "Spark of Love" toy drive.

"It's about giving of ourselves, even if it is a little something. We do okay, but for somebody who is not going to have something, it's our way of giving back," Shari said. "What's a little rain?"

The event is a collaboration of ABC-Channel 7, Omnitrans and the Ontario Fire Department.

Despite the steady rainfall throughout the day, a total of 7 1/2 buses were filled with new, unwrapped toys and games for underserved children.

Capt. Marty Perez said he can't recall the last time they had rain at the Ontario event.

"We've had a little drizzle about 10 years ago, but I don't recall having rain like this," said Perez, who added as of 1 p.m. three buses had already been filled.

"We still had a good fun time. They're in very good spirits, they just want to come out and help out a little bit," Perez said.

Donors were treated with a commemorative 20th anniversary pin, and local businesses such as Farmer Boys, Starbucks, and My Delight Cupcakery gave away food.

KABC-TV weatherman Garth Kemp, who was dressed as an elf, stopped and posed for photos with members of the public.

Friday's event also kicked off the "Spark of Love" toy drive which is a five-county effort. The event stops in Cerritos on Friday, Canoga Park on Dec. 14 before ending on Dec. 21 in Anaheim.

Eva Morales of Ontario came out to the toy drive for the first time. She admits it was her husband, Angel, who came up with the idea.

"I watch it every year," Angel chimed in. "I was watching it earlier this morning..."

"I said `let's go get some toys for the kids'," Eva said.

Eva said she plans on doing this next year and would hope that more people helped others during the holiday seasons.

"It makes you feel good to know you are helping other people and helping others to feel happy," she said.

All the toys that are collected in Ontario helps thousands of children within the community. The Ontario Montclair-School District provides the fire department with a list of names and ages. The fire department will then organize the toys and allow the families to pick them up later this month.

To make a donation, visit an Ontario fire station or its other sponsor, the Farmer Boys restaurant at 1190 E. Francis St.